Law Careers
for Law Students
You are advised to check material facts as although every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this leaflet is up-to-date, reviews of legal education and training requirements are continually in progress and information is subject to change.
Qualifications & Courses
Is my degree a Qualifying Law degree?
This publication aims to provide information specific to law students studying a Qualifying Law degree who are interested in a career in law. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will be able to tell you if your degree is a qualifying law degree. Information is available online at
www.sra.org.uk/students/academic-stage.page
If your degree is not a qualifying law degree, please read our Law Careers for Non Law Students leaflet for relevant information.
What further courses/training do I need to do to qualify as a solicitor or barrister?
Following graduation from a qualifying law degree you need to undertake a period of vocational training:
Legal Practice Course (LPC) to qualify as a solicitor, followed by a two year period of work based learning, known as a training contract, including a Professional Skills course. A profile detailing the work of a solicitor, training requirements and career progression is available from www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_legal_profession.htm
Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) to qualify as a barrister, followed by at least 12 months pupillage. A profile detailing the work of a barrister, training requirements and career progression is available from www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_legal_profession.htm
Are there any other ways to qualify as a lawyer?
Yes, becoming a legal executive is recognised by the Ministry of Justice as being one of the three core ways of becoming a lawyer. Legal executives have their own clients and can undertake
representation in court where appropriate. Common areas of specialism are; conveyancing, family, crime, personal injury, civil litigation, and company and business law.
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) is the professional body that represents qualified and trainee chartered legal executives. For more on becoming a legal executive, see the CILEX website http://www.cilex.org.uk/ A profile detailing the work of a legal executive, training requirements and career progression is available from
www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_legal_profession.htm
Legal education and training is currently under review so you should check for updates with the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority www.sra.org.uk , Bar Standards Board
www.barstandardsboard.org.uk or Institute of Legal Executives www.ilex.org.uk
Does it make a difference where I study?
It can do. The LPC and BPTC are offered by a number of different institutions around the country. Courses are run in different formats and it is possible to study full time (this usually takes one year), part time (usually two years) and by distance learning (partial distance learning is available for the BPTC).
Approximately 60% of top law firms require students to complete their LPC (the vocational part of your legal training) with a particular training provider. You should check this with the firms you intend to apply to before choosing where to apply to do your LPC.
Some LPC providers offer courses with a specialism which may be of interest to students with specific career interests.
You are advised to find out as much about the academic programme, links with the profession and facilities available before making an application.
How much will it cost?
Legal training is expensive. You need to consider carefully the financial implications before embarking on any course.
Expect to pay between £8,000 and £13,950+ for the LPC and between £11,000 and £16,950+ for the BPTC (for full time courses starting in 2013/14). Add to this your living costs for the year and you will see it is a considerable financial undertaking.
Is it possible to get funding and/or sponsorship?
Sources of finance are scarce and very competitive. Some graduates get some financial assistance but others receive nothing at all and undertake this training primarily on a self-financing basis. Deadlines for funding opportunities are often early. To make sure you apply in plenty of time, check the details on the websites mentioned in the sections below.
Solicitors – financial assistance from firms
Students who have secured training contracts with international, City or large regional law firms will usually receive financial assistance from the firm for the cost of the LPC. Similarly, the Government Legal Service and Crown Prosecution Service in the past have offered financial assistance during the LPC to their future trainees. See www.lawcareers.net for a searchable list of legal employers offering training contracts to find out if they offer financial assistance. Employers offering financial assistance for the LPC usually recruit to their training contracts two years in advance of the start date.
Solicitors – other sources of funding
Other sources of funding for the LPC include; the Law Society Bursary Scheme, Law Society Diversity Access Scheme, high street bank loans, Professional and Career Development Loans, awards,
scholarships and charitable grants. Details of all of these sources can be found on the Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society website
http://juniorlawyers.lawsociety.org.uk/advice-support
Financial support may also be available from the institutions offering the LPC in the form of scholarships, grants and competitions, check with each provider that you are considering applying to.
Barristers – scholarships from the Inns of Court
Prospective barristers must join one of the Inns of Court before the end of May of the year they intend to commence the BPTC. However deadlines for scholarships are usually in early November. There are four Inns, each offering competitive scholarship schemes. For links to each of the Inns of Court, see the Bar Council website
Barristers – other sources of funding
Other sources of funding for the BPTC include; the Bar Loans Scheme, other high street bank loans, pupillage draw-downs, and Career and Professional Development Loans. Further details of all of these schemes can be found on the Bar Council website
www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/finance-and-funding/funding-and-scholarships Financial support may also be available from the institutions offering the BPTC in the form of scholarships, grants and competitions, check with each provider that you are considering applying to.
Local Authority Grants
Your local authority will have information regarding their mandatory and discretionary award policies. Legal training falls into the category of discretionary awards. Contact your local authority for information. The www.direct.gov.uk website also contains information on student finance.
Do I need high academic qualifications?
Yes. An excellent academic record and a range of personal skills and abilities will be critical to your future success. Although it may be possible to get onto an LPC or BPTC course with a 2:ii, many firms of solicitors/barristers chambers expect at least a 2.i or above and good 'A' level (or equivalent) grades.
Law firms and chambers will expect applicants to include a comprehensive list of their degree module grades on their CV, including first year grades. A consistent high academic performance is very important; however exceptional circumstances may be taken into account in an otherwise strong application.
How and when do I apply for the LPC/BPTC?
There is no longer a deadline for the LPC but early applications are advised to secure choice of provider and location. The first round of applications for the BPTC closes in early January and again early application is advised.
All full-time LPC courses should be applied for through the Central Applications Board online system
www.lawcabs.ac.uk. Before commencing the LPC students need to apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for student enrolment and a Certificate of Completion of Academic Stage of Training. The SRA has strict processing deadlines and will not accept late applications. Applications can be made to the SRA online www.sra.org.uk/students/student-enrolment.page . For details of how to apply, closing dates and fees see the SRA www.sra.org.uk.
Applications to study the LPC on a part-time or distance learning basis tend to be made directly to the institution.
Applications for the BPTC must be made through the Bar Standards Board central application board
www.barprofessionaltraining.org.uk. All students applying to undertake a Bar professional training course (BPTC) need to pass the Bar course aptitude test (BCAT) before beginning the course. Important deadlines and further information about this test, which assesses your critical thinking skills, can be found on the Bar Standards website. www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/bar-professional-training-course/aptitude-test
I want to practice outside of England and Wales, what qualifications/training do I need to do?
The information in this leaflet is valid for England and Wales - separate arrangements exist for other jurisdictions:
For Northern Ireland, see the Law Society of Northern Ireland www.lawsoc-ni.org and the Bar of Northern Ireland www.barlibrary.com
For Scotland, see www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_legal_profession.htm and the Faculty of Advocates www.advocates.org.uk
For the Channel Islands,
http://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/finance-and-law-channel-islands
For the Isle of Man, the Isle of Man Law Society has information on qualifying as an Advocate
www.iomlawsociety.co.im
Work Experience
Do I need to get legal work experience?
Yes. As with any career, work experience not only helps you to confirm your aspiration to work in the legal sector, but demonstrates this to future employers. It is very important that you gain exposure to law in practice to enable you to show commitment to the profession and understanding of the different practice areas. Work experience comes in a number of different forms, from
informal work shadowing to paid vacation placements and mini pupillages. Volunteering with the University Legal Advice Centre can also provide you with relevant legal experience
What is a vacation placement?
Larger law firms offer paid vacation placements which are structured to allow you to experience different areas of the firm’s work. These are usually aimed at second/penultimate year law students and are available over the summer vacation but some firms are also offering short Christmas and Easter placements too. Applications for paid vacation placements are competitive and have strict deadlines. You can check which firms are offering paid vacation placements and note the deadlines on www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/WorkPlacementDeadlines.aspx
Formal schemes are very competitive as they can lead to an offer for a training contract interview at the end of the placement. If you are not able to secure a formal scheme remember it is also possible to find informal work experience in smaller firms. Research firms by practice area on
www.lawcareers.net or www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/findasolicitor.law and apply speculatively using a strong CV and covering letter.
What is a mini pupillage?
For those interested in the bar, mini-pupillages and short work experience attachments are offered by some sets of chambers. A mini pupillage may last between a few days and two weeks within a set of chambers. Working alongside a barrister the work will differ depending on the barrister’s practice and the requirements of his/her current cases. Some chambers run assessed mini-pupillages, which give you the chance to demonstrate your potential for a career at the Bar. There is a searchable list of chambers offering mini pupilages on www.lawcareers.net/barristers/minipupillages.aspx
What if I don’t secure a vacation placement or mini pupillage?
Think broadly about the potential opportunities to gain an insight in to legal work. For prospective solicitors, check with the firms you are interested in to see if they are holding an open day. Try in-house, or smaller firms and consider pro-bono and community legal advice centres such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and the University Legal Advice Centre. For advocacy experience, consider marshalling a judge, shadowing a local barrister, mooting competitions and pro bono work such as the Free Representation Unit.
Commercial work experience in non-law settings, or voluntary work in the community can also demonstrate a wide range of transferable skills and qualities sought by legal recruiters.
Applications for Training
How and when do I apply for training contracts?
If you want to be a solicitor, you will need to undertake a training contract after you have completed your LPC. The recruitment cycle for larger commercial firms is usually two years in advance of the start date. Medium to small sized firms may recruit one year before the start date, whilst some high street firms have deadlines in the May before you would be expected to start. You are advised to apply as early as possible as, with high numbers of applications, recruiters often begin sifting before the closing date.
Individual firms will have a preferred method of application. Some use application forms which are usually online, some require a full CV and covering letter and some even require an application form and CV.
You can view a searchable list of training contracts, along with application details and deadlines on
www.lawcareers.net
Training contract vacancies are also listed on CareersLink, the Careers Services’ job database
www.manchester.ac.uk/careerslink
How and when do I apply for pupillage?
If you want to be a barrister, you will need to commence pupillage after completing your BPTC. This is a one year period of supervised in service training, usually as two six month seats. All pupillage vacancies are advertised on the Pupillage Portal www.pupillagegateway.com
Some sets use the portal for applications others require you to apply directly. Check the preferred application methods of the sets of chambers you are interested in on www.pupillagegateway.com Be aware there is a short window for applications using the portal (March/April), see the Pupillage Portal timetable for application deadlines. If you are applying to chambers directly, check their individual closing dates.
How do I choose where to apply?
Think about the type of practice/chambers you want to work in, the sort of work you want to do and where you want to be based. Use the experience you have gained so far to inform your choice. Read as much as you can about the different areas of law and the work done by different size
firms/chambers. You may also find it useful to talk to trainees/pupils from the firms/chambers that you are interested in at law firm presentations, pupillage fairs and the Law Fair held on campus.
Directories often have detailed information on training contracts at individual firms. See the list of directories at the end of this leaflet, available in hardcopy at the Careers Service and in the School of Law
Think about the quality of the training, work/life balance, opportunities for early responsibility and travel.
You may wish to consider in-house legal work, working for a charity or for a public sector organisation such as the Government Legal Service.
How competitive is it?
Competition for both training contracts and pupillage places is very high. Figures suggest an average of over 100 applications is received for every training contract position. Recent news suggests that the number of training contract places is not rising to meet the number of LPC graduates. To read more about the number of training contracts available for the number of students studying the LPC, see the Law Society’s Annual Statistical Report available online at www.lawsociety.org.uk
Information is available about the number of students who take the BPTC each year and the
availability of pupillages. Figures suggest as few as one in twenty BPTC graduates successfully secure pupillage as the number of pupillage places available each year is falling. Following completion of pupillage, self-employed barristers must then secure a tenancy in a set of chambers. The Bar Standards Board publishes figures online at www.barcouncil.org.uk/about-the-bar/facts-and-figures/statistics
To encourage students to think carefully before embarking on the BPTC, a health warning has been produced by the Bar Council, Bar Standards Board and Inns of Court. To read the full document, go to:
www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/media/1363162/final_health_warning_for_bsb_website_24_jan_20 12.pdf
It is important to remember that competition for training contracts and pupillages is compounded with some students taking time out before reapplying. BPTC graduates are eligible to apply for pupillage for up to five years after completing their course.
How many applications should I make?
You should apply to the number of firms that fit your criteria and make as many good quality applications as you have time to make. It is not uncommon to hear of students making 20 + applications.
What should I do if I have not secured a training contract before I embark on the LPC?
If you are hoping to secure sponsorship from an employer for your LPC you are advised to apply to those organisations who recruit two years in advance. If you have been unsuccessful in your
applications you will need to give some serious thought to the financial implications of embarking on the LPC without sponsorship.
It is possible to secure funding from other sources (see funding section above) and some students decide to self-fund through part-time (and sometimes full time) work alongside their course. Flexible study options now mean that it is possible to study for the LPC in the evenings and at the weekends, however students are expected to put in a large amount of self study time outside of formal contact hours.
You may wish to discuss your ideas with a Careers Consultant to help you decide whether to embark on the LPC without the security of a training contract at the end of your course.
How can I make my application stand out?
Feedback from recruiters tells us that a strong application must: Be well researched and targeted to the specific recruiter
Demonstrate clear understanding of what a career in the law entails
Show commitment and motivation for the type of practice you are applying to Be neatly and correctly presented (no spelling mistakes or typing errors)
Draw on a wide range of experiences from formal work experience to extra-curricular activities and part time work
Demonstrate strong academic potential with consistent high academic grades
Other questions you may have
If I complete the BPTC, can I switch to practise as a solicitor?
No. From 2010 "Pupil barristers" (i.e trainee barristers who have not completed pupillage) will no longer be able to transfer into the profession via the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). The Solicitors Regulation Authority is currently consulting on the Accreditation of Prior Learning which, if approved, would enable BPTC graduates to gain some exemptions from the LPC. Check the SRA website for further information www.sra.org.uk
Should I look for paralegal work to increase my chances of securing a training contract?
The number of people engaged in paralegal work has doubled in the past decade as legal service providers begin to explore alternative business structures to provide services. A paralegal is not a qualified solicitor or barrister, although many have completed the LPC qualification.
Paralegal work can provide hands on legal experience in areas such as; litigation, corporate, commercial property, banking, employment, insolvency and personal injury. This experience may count towards the period of work based learning required to qualify as a solicitor.
As competition for training contracts increases, some legal recruiters are enabling paralegals holding a valid LPC to progress on to training contracts. Students who have not secured a training contract and who are considering applying for paralegal vacancies should discuss the option of progressing on to a training contract with the firms they are interested in.
A profile detailing the work of a paralegal, including entry requirements, training providers and sources of vacancies, is available at www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_legal_profession.htm
If I cannot get a training contract or pupillage would it help if I did an LLM?
We would advise that you carefully consider your motivation for embarking on an LLM. You are advised to seek the views of the firms/chambers that you are interested in applying to before embarking on the course. See the list of law firm presentations and attendees at the Law Fair for opportunities to talk to law firm representatives.
Many firms/chambers value pre-entry experience which gives exposure to the law in practise. It is important that you consider the value of an LLM in the context of the rest of your experience.
What other careers are there in the legal sector? Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
Lawyers in the CPS handle the prosecution of criminal cases. The CPS offers opportunities for qualified solicitors and barristers, and a range of other careers such as caseworkers, witness care officers etc. See www.cps.gov.uk for more information.
Government Legal Service
Government lawyers provide legal advice to government departments and assist in formulating legislation in central government.
Both training contract and pupillage opportunities exist and are recruited for two years in advance. See www.gls.gov.uk
Local Government Lawyers
Local Authorities in England and Wales employ solicitors to advise councillors on matters such as policy formation.
See www.slgov.org.uk for more information.
In-house lawyers
In-house lawyers are employed by commercial and industrial organisations and deal exclusively with their employer's legal business. Not-for-profit organisations, such as charities, are also beginning to recruit their own in-house lawyers. According to the Commerce and Industry Group there are now 48 companies offering in-house training contracts. A list of these can be found on the Chambers Student website www.chambersstudent.co.uk/Articles/473
You may also wish to consider working in-house for local or national government: Solicitors in Local Government www.slgov.org.uk
Government Legal Service www.gls.gov.uk/graduate-opps.html
You will also find a small number of in-house training contract opportunities listed on
www.lawcareers.net, if you look in the training contract search and select ‘in-house’ in the ‘type of practice’ box.
For more information, contact:
The Commerce and Industry Group
www.cigroup.org.uk
The Bar Association for Commerce, Finance & Industry www.bacfi.org
Legal Executives (CILEX)
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) course is taken to qualify as a chartered legal executive working across the spectrum of legal services. See http://www.cilex.org.uk/ for more information.
No prior legal training is required to enrol on the course. There is a fast track study option for law graduates which could speed up qualification. A profile detailing the work of a legal executive can be found on www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_legal_profession.htm
Some may choose to continue studying to become fully qualified solicitors by taking the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Those with sufficient experience as a legal executive may be exempt from having to undertake a training contract. It is not the quickest route to qualifying as a solicitor, but does allow you to earn as you study.
Paralegal work
Includes anything from the type of work you could expect as a trainee solicitor, to legal
administrative work. It can provide good experience for those yet undecided about a career in law, or is equally a career in its own right.
Although you do not need any legal qualifications to become a paralegal, in practice, many firms expect paralegal applicants to have completed an appropriate vocational qualification. See the Institute of Paralegals website www.theiop.org for information on routes to qualification.
There is a profile detailing the work of a paralegal, including training requirements and sources of vacancies available from www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_legal_profession.htm
Legal aid
The Legal Services Commission has produced an online careers resource to provide information on working in legal aid. See www.legalservices.gov.uk
Law centres
Non-profit-making legal services funded through local authorities. See local and national press for job vacancies. See also the Law Centres Federation for information and vacancies
www.lawcentres.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureaux
Provide similar services to law centres, such as advice on debt, benefits, housing and immigration. Most offer legal advice and some employ in-house lawyers.
See www.citizensadvice.org.uk for more information.
Court reporting
Involves recording verbatim court hearings. Requires no legal training, but in practice it can be advantageous.
See the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters www.bivr.org.uk
Court work
Her Majesty's Courts Service recruits qualified solicitors and barristers as justices' clerks.
In the magistrates' courts, clerks advise lay magistrates on matters of law and procedure. The role also involves managing the overall running and administration of the courts.
See www.justice.gov.uk/about/index.htm for more careers information.
The Law Commission
Recruits law graduates, those who have completed the LPC or BPTC, and qualified lawyers to work as research assistants, to analyse areas of law to ensure they are kept fair, modern and cost-effective. See www.lawcom.gov.uk for more careers information.
Events
Are there any events I can attend?
The Careers Service programme of events provides a wide range of opportunities for you to research your career in law.
In the first semester there are many presentations, from training course providers and law firms. The Law Fair is also held in this first semester, and it is very important to go along, not only to speak to course providers about prospects after completing your course, but also to talk to firms you would like to train with and meet representatives from the Bar. Please be aware that the majority of firms who come on campus to do presentations and attend the Law Fair are larger firms due to the fact that their recruitment cycle requests applications two years in advance of a start date.
Small/medium firms that recruit one year in advance are more likely to attend events organised by vocational training providers. However, the Law Fair, organised by the Careers Service, has a special zone for students interested in training in the North West.
Details of all our events can be found on Careerslink www.manchester.ac.uk/careerslink
A further programme of events is organised by the School of Law, details of talks and workshops can be found on the ManLaw intranet www.law.manchester.ac.uk/manlaw
The National Pupillage Fair in London is held during the second semester and attendance is very useful for anyone interested in the Bar.
The Legal Sector in the North West
Details of the range of opportunities in the legal sector in the north west can be found on the Careers Service regional pages
www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/findingwork/manchesternw/law
Resources
AGCAS publicationsJob Profiles for Solicitors, Barristers, Legal Executive and Paralegal - Available for reference in the Careers Resource Centre and available online at www.prospects.ac.uk ‘Explore types of jobs’ section under ‘Legal Services’.
Legal Sector Profile - Includes information relating to the legal professions in England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The information is available online at
www.prospects.ac.uk under ‘Explore Job Sectors’.
Publications
Free take away publications
Take-away copies of the following publications may be available from the Careers Service Prospects Law
Target Law
Annual guide to careers and study opportunities in the legal profession. Target Courses Conversion and Vocational Law
Annual guide giving information about conversion and vocational Law courses. Target Work Experience Law
Annual supplement to Target Law focusing on vacation placements, mini-pupillages and Open Days.
The Training Contract and Pupillage Handbook
Annual guide published in association with The Trainee Solicitors' Group giving details of training opportunities for both branches of the profession.
Chambers Student Guide to the Legal Profession
Annual publication includes information on both branches of the profession. The Lex 100
A student guide to Law firms published by Lex in association with The Legal 500. Also available online at www.lex100.com.
Reference Books include
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Annual reference guide to law firms and barristers’ chambers. The Law Society Directory of Solicitors and Barristers
Annual publication listing individual solicitors as well as firms and barristers’ chambers. The Pupillages and Awards Handbook
Annual publication listing Barristers' Chambers offering pupillages and mini-pupillages. N.B. It is updated during the year in its on-line format – www.pupillagegateway.com
Check the careers library catalogue www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/library
for additional resources.
Newspapers & magazines
The Gazette
Weekly Journal of The Law Society, available in the Main University Library.
www.lawgazette.co.uk Legal Week Weekly www.legalweek.com The Lawyer Weekly www.thelawyer.com Lawyer 2B
Trainee Magazine, available for take away in the Careers Resource Centre.
A number of daily newspapers have Law sections eg:
o The Times (Tuesday)
o The Independent (Wednesday)
Useful websites
CareersLink
The Careers Services’ job database
www.manchester.ac.uk/careerslink The Law Society
Information about the Solicitors Profession in England & Wales
www.lawsociety.org.uk Solicitors Regulation Authority
Information on qualifying as a solicitor, qualifications, funding and training.
www.sra.org.uk
Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society.
http://juniorlawyers.lawsociety.org.uk The Bar Council
Information about The Bar in England & Wales.
www.barcouncil.org.uk Bar Standards Board
Information on training and qualifying as a barrister
www.barstandardsboard.org.uk
The Bar Council Pupillage website.
This includes a link to the on-line pupillage application system (OLPAS) which includes information about mini-pupillages and the on-line version of The Pupillages & Awards Handbook
www.pupillagegateway.com The Lex 100
The Lex 100 is a student guide to Law firms published in association with The Legal 500.
www.lex100.com LawCareersNet
Site produced in conjunction with the Trainee Solicitors Group
www.LawCareers.net
Prospects
Law Community section
www.prospects.ac.uk Doctorjob/Target Law
International Centre for Commercial Law/Legal 500 series Details of major law firms in the UK and around the world
www.legal500.com
Legal Resources in the UK and Ireland site maintained by Delia Venables
www.venables.co.uk
Waterlow Legal Online Solicitors’ Directory and Barristers’ Directory
www.waterlowlegal.com Chambers & Partners website
including a link to their on-line directories and their Student Site
www.chambersandpartners.com Lawyer2B
www.lawyer2B.com GET
Includes a section on Law careers
www.targetjobs.co.uk Careers Service website
www.manchester.ac.uk/careers Lawyer Locater
The following websites may help you to find law firms in particular geographical locations.
o www.lawyerlocator.co.uk
